CM Balochistan In Trouble

The latest news from Balochistan tells us that even political situation in the province is not satisfactory leave alone the socio-economic and security condition of the area. Members of the allied parties as well as the opposition have moved a motion of no confidence against the Chief Minister Balochistan, Sanaullah Zehri. The disgruntled lawmakers argue that they exercised their constitutional right under article 136 of the constitution for Mr. Zehri has consistently failed in upholding his commitments to them and the people of the province.

On the question of the success of the no-confidence vote, it is difficult to make a prediction. Both sides claim that they have the confidence of the majority. In the 65 members provincial assembly, 53 lawmakers are part of the coalition government. However, it is also important to bear in mind that several members of the coalition government have also signed the motion against the CM. This makes it difficult to make any hard prediction.

The resignations of Sarfaraz Bugti, Home Minister; Mir Chakar Dhomaki, Minister for Fisheries; and Prince Ali, advisor to CM on social welfare make it clear the CM is in hot waters. Even members of the treasury benches are not satisfied with the way he is leading his cabinet. Moreover, CM’s sacking of his special assistant on excise and taxation, Mir Amanullah Notezai and other punitive dismissals made by him, after the motion surfaced, goes against the spirit of democracy. The proposals should not be considered any conspiracy against the government as the law allows it.

Considering the resignations and opposition’s confirmation that it will support the motion it is not hard to imagine that the provincial assembly of Balochistan will witness some radical changes in roles of individuals and offices. However, if for a moment the claim of the treasury benches is accepted that they enjoy the majority, which means the vote of no confidence will fail, still the PML-N coalition government needs to know that it must bring changes to the present scheme of operating the affairs of the province.

If the ruling party wants to retain the offices it holds, it needs to realise that the art of politics means taking all the stakeholders on board in all matters. For a coalition government to succeed and complete its constitutional term, politicians and parties usually forego petty differences. Instead of satisfying their egos, political parties and leaders prefer to think first of people’s benefit and greater common good.